Are you thinking about moving into a new house soon?
When looking for a new place to live in, picking the right neighborhood is just as important as choosing the right house. Just like you would make sure your new house has enough bedrooms for all your family members to live in it comfortably, you should also look at different factors about the neighborhood to ensure the area is suitable for you. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best Oakland neighborhood to buy a house.
Check the Crime Rates of the Area
The first thing to do when deciding whether or not to buy a house in a particular neighborhood is to check the crime rates of that area. Larger cities tend to have a variety of published detailed crime reports whereas smaller towns only have general information. Start by searching for keywords like “crime rates by neighborhood” on different search engines online. You can usually find ample information on crime statistics for different neighborhoods online and this will help you decide how safe the neighborhood is. If you find the statistics overwhelming then a smart tactic to use for comprehending the information is to compare the numbers with the crime rates of where you live currently. This will help you get an idea of the safety in that neighborhood.
Think About the Distance to Work and Daily Commuting Time
The next thing to consider when choosing the best neighborhood for you is the distance of it from work. This will determine how much time you spend on commuting every day. Buying a house that is located close to the workplace of the family members reduces the stress in their daily life.
Look into the Availability of Public Transport
Another crucial factor to look at in a neighborhood is the availability of public transport in it. The availability of public transport can help you avoid driving to work in rush hours every day and allow you to use your time more productively. The availability of public transport will also help to keep transportation costs low for the whole family as it will reduce the need to drive to places.
In Oakland, the areas with the best access to public transportation are considered to be downtown Oakland or Rockridge. These areas have the facility of BART stations which means you can easily travel to San Francisco and similar parts of the Bay Area.
Take a Look at the Nearby Schools
The last important tip we have for you to choose the best neighborhood in Oakland is to have a look at the nearby schools. Well-maintained schools are always a sign of a good neighborhood. This is especially crucial for you if you have children of your own who are going to move into the house with you. Ensuring that the future neighborhood has well-reputed schools nearby will help you give your children access to the quality of education they deserve.
In the city of Oakland, most of the excellent schools are located towards the “Lamorinda” side. This includes areas like Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga. If quality education is a top priority for you, you should look for a house in these areas.
